Like the Royals Do: Classy Bachelor Parties Do Exist

It appears soon-to-be married Prince William has survived his bachelor party, much to the disappointment of gossip mags, paparazzi and bloggers around the globe.

With Best Man Prince Harry planning the event, the media speculated that the bachelor party would mirror some of Prince Harry’s highly-criticized partying days, but now after the event, it appears no one really knows how Prince William celebrated his final single days before his April 29 nuptials.

US Weekly reported that 22 guests spent the weekend with Princes William and Harry at a friend’s estate in Norfolk, while the UK-based Daily Mail reported that a mere £2,500 (approximately $4,000) funded the event. No scandalous photos, no wild rumors and no last-ditch public relations crises have sprung up, suggesting this event, no matter how wild or tame, was kept largely contained.

A bachelor or bachelorette party is considered a rite of passage in our culture. It marks the transition from engaged to married, and along with the wedding plans and bridal showers, the event is expected. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are riddled with negative undertones due to tales of excessive alcohol and questionable behavior, but as a 20-something who has and will attend many more of these events, I know that bachelorette and bachelor parties can be both classy and fun. And yes, they do exist.

If you’re on the planning end, here are some ideas to ensure the event doesn’t turn into a repeat of “The Hangover:”

Jessica Weinberger (Zimanske) is a marketing professional and freelance writer from Minneapolis, Minn. She is a lifelong resident of the Twin Cities and loves experiencing everything the Land of 10,000 Lakes has to offer. Jessica is a loyal Minnesota Twins season-ticket holder and Caribou Coffee fanatic, as well as a proud University of St. Thomas alumna. She also enjoys photography and volunteering as a grief group facilitator. Follow Jessica on Google+